5 Athletes Who Have Dropped Out Of The 2016 Olympics

The numerous crises facing Brazil are spelling disaster for the Rio 2016 Olympics, and athletes dropping out of the games are making things worse.

Following reports of the Zika virus spreading in Brazil, a number of well-known athletes have dropped out of the Rio 2016 Olympics. However, not all of them have claimed that their withdrawal is due to threats of the disease.

Just this week, basketball player LeBron James was an important part of the Cleveland Cavaliers championship parade. It seems like the game season really got him exhausted, because just two days after the big day, James announced his withdrawal from the Olympics. “It’s an honor to have been considered for the team and I hope that in the future I will have the chance to represent my country by playing for USA Basketball,” he said.

A number of world-class golfers including Rory McIlroy also backed out from the competition. McIlroy made it clear that his reason for backing out was the simple fact that he didn’t want to risk his life with the Zika virus .

"I trust the Irish people will understand my decision. The unwavering support I receive every time I compete in a golf tournament at home or abroad means the world to me,” he said.

Some of the other sportsmen who withdrew from the Olympics are, basketball player Stephen Curry, Tennis player Nick Kyrgios and American cyclist, Tejay van Garderen.